Mellaril

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Mellaril

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

The basic pharmacological activity of Mellaril® (thioridazine HCl) is similar to that of other phenothiazines, but is associated with minimal extrapyramidal stimulation.

However, thioridazine has been shown to prolong the QTc interval in a dose-dependent
fashion. This effect may increase the risk of serious, potentially fatal, ventricular
arrhythmias, such as torsade de pointes-type arrhythmias. Due to this risk,
Mellaril (thioridazine hcl) is indicated only for schizophrenic patients who have not been responsive
to or cannot tolerate other antipsychotic agents (see WARNINGS and CONTRAINDICATIONS).
However, the prescriber should be aware that Mellaril (thioridazine hcl) has not been systematically
evaluated in controlled trials in treatment refractory schizophrenic patients
and its efficacy in such patients is unknown.

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/31/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.